PETALING JAYA: The Trilateral Air Patrol between Malaysian, Philippine and Indonesian air forces launched in Subang today is Asean's signal to growing concerns over Islamic State (IS) that the region is ready to stand together against it. "The joint trilateral patrols will continue for as long as it takes. The joint air patrols complete the trilateral military collaboration in the Sulu Sea following the launch of the Trilateral Maritime Patrols between the navies of the three nations in the Tarakan Islands in Indonesia in April. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein with his counterparts, Indonesian Defence Minister Gen (rtd) Ryamizard Ryacudu and Philippine defence secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana at the launch of the Trilateral Air Patrol between Malaysian, Philippines and Indonesian air forces today. "I've been contacted by the military heads of the United States and China, wanting to be involved," said Ryamizard.

Source: New Strait Times October 12, 2017 09:00 UTC